FAQs

Q: What happened with ISMSP?

ISMSP ceased to function in February 2017. Wanting to preserve the CMSP and MSP programs, ISMSP began discussions with SME in late summer 2016. The acquisition took a number of months and was finalized in January 2017. The International Academy of Mine Safety & Health (IAMSH) of SME assumed control of the program. While ISMSP has discontinued operation, SME recognizes the essential work done with the CMSP and is motivated to see the spirit and intent of the certification advance with SME.

Q: Will the CMSP examination change?

To the extent that the CMSP body of knowledge changes under the new third party accreditation program, the examination will need to reflect those changes. However, any changes to the body of knowledge will be communicated to all CMSP, MSP and other stakeholder well in advance of a new examination.

Q: Will SME be offering a review course in advance of the CMSP examination?

Yes. A new course will be developed in the future based on the updated body of knowledge.

Q: Will the CMSP Continuing Education requirements be the same under SME?

CMSPs will be required to earn 25 professional development points for recertification every five years. SME is committed to growing the CMSP into the premier mining safety and health certification in the world. As such, it may be necessary to raise the standard for continuing education and professional development over time.

Q: What does the SME have to offer a CMSP?

SME is one of the largest mining –related professional societies in the world with more than 13,000 members from about 100 countries. It is a non-profit organization with a competent and experienced staff. To see the full complement of benefits, consult smenet.org. With an SME membership you will receive a number of benefits including Mining Engineering magazine each month, access to OneMine.org (the online global mining and minerals library), discounts on SME publications, professional development opportunities, access to a global network of mining professionals, among many others.

Q: I am not an engineer, can I join SME?

Yes! SME membership is open to anyone who wishes to become a member and there are no education level requirements to join.

Q: What are dues for SME?

SME’s dues are $156 per year for professional members compared to $150/year for ISMSP.

Q: Will the CMSP qualifications change under SME?

SME is committed to first stabilizing the CMSP by convening a subject matter expert panel to ensure that the CMSP reflects the most current body of knowledge for a safety and health professionals and achieving third party accreditation in the U.S. To the extent to which changes in the body of knowledge require changes in the qualifications, those changes will be communicated to all prospective CMSP applicants.

Q: When will the next CMSP test be offered?

Q: Will the CMSP program change under SME?

To the extent that the CMSP body of knowledge changes under the new third party accreditation program, the examination will need to reflect those changes. However, any changes to the body of knowledge will be communicated to all CMSP, MSP and other stakeholders well in advance of a new examination.

Q: I live and work outside the U.S. but I’m interested in attaining a credential like the CMSP to differentiate my skills and competencies in the global mining community. Does SME have a credential for me?

There are thousands of mine safety and health professionals working outside the U.S. who would benefit from the CMSP. The IAMSH of SME is working toward both U.S. and international third party accreditation and to ensure the examination reflects a global safety and health management perspective. The CMSP is not a U.S.-specific credential. While the current application and examination are in English, we encourage all qualified mine safety and health professionals to pursue this important career milestone.

Q: What are the eligibility requirement to sit for the CMSP exam?

To become a CMSP, you must:

Have ten (10) years of mining experience, two of which must have been in mine safety/health*

Be currently employed in a mining safety/health position*

Pass a 100 questions exam

Pledge to abide by the CMSP Code of Conduct

*Degrees from accredited institutions may be substituted for experience. See the CMSP application or CMSP Candidate Handbook for more information on documentation that must accompany your application.

Q: Is there a fee to take the CMSP exam?

Yes. Fees to sit for the CMSP exam are as follows:

• $650 SME Member

• $950 SME Nonmember

Payment must be received with your application. If you are not approved to sit for the CMSP exam, you will only be charged a $150 application fee. Visit www.smenet.org/membership to learn more about the benefits of joining our mining health and safety community.

Q: What should I study to prepare for the CMSP exam?

The content of the CMSP exam is based on the Body of Knowledge developed by IAMSH of SME and other industry subject matter experts. The exam covers both domestic and international best practices. Download the Body of Knowledge and the list of references to study now!

Q: Will SME be offering a review course in advance of the CMSP exam?

While a course is not available yet, SME has plans to develop a review course in the near future.

Q: What is required to maintain a CMSP certification?

CMSPs will be required to earn 25 professional development points for recertification every five years. SME is committed to growing CMSP into the premier mining safety and health certification in the world. As such, it may be necessary to raise the standard for continuing education and professional development over time.

Q: Do I have to become a member of SME to maintain my CMSP?

No. An SME membership is not a requirement for you to maintain your CMSP. However, membership brings substantial benefits. Please review the information available at http://www.smenet.org/membership/overview for more information and applications.

Q: Is my former CMSP certification still valid?

SME acquired responsibility for the CMSP program from the International Society of Mine Safety Professionals (ISMSP) in 2016. SME reached out to all former CMSPs that were eligible to grandfather into the new program in the fall of 2017. If you did not participate is this process, your CMSP is no longer valid. You are welcome to renew your CMSP by retaking the exam.

Q: Will SME reinstitute the Mine Safety Professional (MSP) program?

SME recognizes the importance of the MSP and those who put the time and effort into acquiring their certification. At the current time, SME is working to re-establish the CMSP program. A plan to relaunch the MSP program has yet to be determined.

The new CMSP certification expands the accredited body of knowledge to include safety and health issues. The program is now administered by the International Academy of Mine Safety & Health Professionals (IAMSH) of SME.

CONTACT US TODAY if you are interested in learning more about the CMSP certification!